Ghandruk Circuit Trek

Ghandruk Circuit trek is a colourful short foray into the Annapurna region. The trail winds through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past icy waterfalls where you can stop to cool your face. Around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the high mountains, whole horizons of which will be revealed to you as you reach the high points of your trek.

This trek in the Annapurna foothills to the view point on Poon Hill offers all the best of trekking in Nepal. Enjoy trekking in the spectacular mountain scenery through charming villages inhabited by the Gurungs, Magars dense rhododendron forests full of birds and deep sub-tropical valleys, all set below the Annapurnas with the picturesque peak of Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail Peak ) dominating the skyline. At the climax of this trek you will climb Poon Hill at dawn to enjoy one of the most spectacular mountain scapes on Earth. As the sun touches the snow-capped summits the Himalayan giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna (8,091m) along with a maze of other peaks, slowly begin to appear, like magic, before our eyes. A rewarding trek that can be enjoyed by every lover of nature and beautiful landscape

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m).
Our Trekking guide will come at the Hotel an early morning at 6:30 am to pick you up and we walk from hotel about 10 minutes to get bus station.Our bus leave at 7 am to Pokhara.We drive to Pokhara by tourist bus, enjoying an afternoon sightseeing on the lakeside and boating at Phewa lake. From Kathmandu to Pokhara, it is about 206km and it takes 7 hours. O/N at Hotel

Day 4: Drive to Nayapul (1050m) and Trek to Tikhedhunga (1577m)
Breakfast.then drive by car from Pokhara to Nayapul. Drive one and half hours. Then trek starts from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga via Birethanti (1065m.) which takes about 4 hours. O/N at hotel.

Day 5: Trek from Tikhedhunga To Ghorepani (2850m)
This is a pleasant walking day today. We trek through rhododendron and oak forests and across streams before making a short, final climb to Nangethanti. From Nangethanti we head up to Ghorepani. 5:30 hours. O/N at hotel.

Day 6: Trek from Ghorepani to Poon Hill to Tadapani (2520m/8268ft).
An early start and an hour hiking to Poon Hill (3195m) leads us to a brilliant spectacle, this vantage point provides an unobstructed view of sunrise over the high Himalayas. After spending about 40 minutes on the hillside, we come back to Ghorepani, have a hot breakfast, and start walking to Tadapani. From Ghorepani the trail climbs along ridges and through pine and rhododendron forests to Deurali (2960m). We descend to reach Banthanti before winding our way to Tadapani. Walking 6 hours. O/N at Hotel

Day 7: Trek from Tadapani to Ghaundrung (1950m/6398ft).
Our descent brings us to the village of Ghaundrung around noon. We will overnight here so have the afternoon to visit the Annapurna conservation office and museum. As well as take time to explore the village. 2:30 hours

Day 8: Ghaundrung to Pokhara via Pothana(1910m/6266ft) and Phedi (910m/2986ft)
Our last two days of trekking take us through the village of Pothana before reaching Phedi. On arrival in Phedi, mid morning, our bus meets us before driving to Pokhara where our trek ends. 5:30 hours

Day 9: Rest day at Pokhara.
Overnight at hotel.

Day 10 Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus.
Seven hours driving. O/N at Hotel.

Day 11: Kathmandu
Rest day at Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel. B.B Plan.

The following gives you a general idea of the personal items that you can bring for the trek. The personal items are of individual interest, and choice. The most important fact that one should keep on mind is that one should have enough clothes to tackle the cold weather in the Himalayas. In a supported trek, heavy items are carried by porters or yaks and personal belongings that you may need for the day like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun cream and toilet paper etc. should be carried by yourself. So you are briefed to pack items in two different bags. We will supply complimentary water and wind proof duffel bag which you can use on the trek and is carried by porter/s. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek. You can leave your bag with your non-trek items at the hotel in Kathmandu and collect them after the trek.

General

4 seasons Sleeping bag (Optional/we can provide one if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)

Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary Himalayanrange duffel bag for you to keep.)

Daypack

Down Jacket (Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)

Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes

Shade hat or baseball cap - some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.

Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.

Balaclava - lightweight, thinner variety.

Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.

Headlamp - Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don't go cheap here.

Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people (optional).

A neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it (optional).

Hand

1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.

2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.

1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom - this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.

1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).

All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.

Feet

4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.

3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.

1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.

1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots. Ensure a good fit with layered socks and you have worn then before to get used to it (otherwise you will get lots of blister).

1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.

1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary (Optional).

1 pair sandals (Optional).

Medicines and First Aid Kits

(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well)

Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.

Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.

Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.

Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.

1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.

Miscellaneous, but Important !

Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).

Airline ticket (Please make a copy and leave on at our office in KTM just in case if you need to change the date of your).

Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.

Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for Show original message

Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its' effectiveness over time.

Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight (Optional).

Binoculars (Optional).

1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. Digital cameras are ok, but you must keep the batteries warm when not in use (Optional).

Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).

A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman, some swear by them to avoid that chilly late night trip (Optional).

1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional).

This list is only a guide. While you are required to bring everything on this list, there are numerous options, brands, and versions of each piece of equipment. Use your experience and the listed features to find the best gear for you. Some of the above equipments can be easily found in stores in Kathmandu for cheaper prices.

Please Note: Tight fitting, figure-hugging clothing, such as those made with Lycra can often be offensive to locals, especially to women. If you find these items comfortable as a base layer, please pack something to wear on top of them.